The government announced a week ago that HMS Dragon would be deployed to Cyprus to defend a British military base from potential Iranian attacks, but the warship has only just left its dock in Portsmouth. The delay has sparked criticism, with some claiming it shames Britain's naval history.
Defence Secretary John Healey told the House of Commons on Monday that navy crews had been working “tirelessly, 22 hours a day” to prepare the Type 45 destroyer. Sources within the Ministry of Defence described the efforts as herculean, noting that a process normally taking six weeks was nearly completed in six days.
Despite the rapid preparation, HMS Dragon is expected to take another five days or more to reach its destination. The ship's departure comes amid heightened tensions with Iran, though the specific threats to the Cyprus base have not been detailed.
